How to determine black mold?

By Tenant

Black mold by definition is a harmful toxin that infiltrates a home and can cause illness and distress to the unwary residents of the house. It will spread continuously throughout the place once it makes its way into the walls and other places that has moist in it if not treated quickly. There are several types of mold spores that are found in houses and offices, none of which carry a risk that is as serious as that carried by black mold. Once you think a black mold is present in your house you have to identify it promptly and a clean-up is needed.  Here are some ways to treat black mold.



  • Do a thorough search of the apartment unit for any rooms and spaces that have water leaks or has a high amount of moisture is present. Such places are major sites where black mold grows and spreads.
  • Look for any dark blotches of mold in and under mouldings and walls. Those areas that have moist in them may contain black mold, it may spread from there and creeps up and further to the walls.
  • Observe and examine the formation of the mold.  There are different patterns and formations of a black mold. Some may spread in a circular pattern and will deviate if the area it is spreading lacks water or moisture.
  • Check the members of your family if they are suffering from any skin irritations, congestions or sinus problems. These may be signs of black mold infestations.
  • Contact a black mold specialist to inspect and determine if the mold present in your area is indeed a black mold or just mildew. Only a professional can determine if the infestation is a black mold or not.

Nowadays test kits are already available to help someone detect if a black mold is present in a household. Once detected contact a licensed professional to treat the black mold immediately to prevent serious problems to you and your family’s health.

Edited on: Monday, March 18th, 2013 12:32 am

15 Responses to “How to determine black mold?”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

Willian

March 18th, 2013 12:40 am

If this happens whose responsibility is it?


Hank

March 18th, 2013 2:00 pm

Is the landlord somehow responsible for the black mold?


Shauna

March 19th, 2013 3:20 am

Who is to blame for the black mold?


Peggy

March 19th, 2013 4:40 pm

Am I supposed to pay for the professional or my landlord?


Janett

March 20th, 2013 6:00 am

Does black mold falls under the clause to break lease early?


Marleen

March 20th, 2013 7:20 pm

Will I win in court if I file a lawsuit against my landlord for the presence of black mold in my apartment?


Bridgett

March 21st, 2013 8:40 am

Black mold is very dangerous especially if there are children in the house.


Adrian

March 21st, 2013 10:00 pm

This is very serious stuff that has to be treated immediately.


Rodrick

March 22nd, 2013 11:20 am

Who cares who pays the specialist? I would definitely get the hell out of there.


Dante

March 23rd, 2013 12:40 am

Does a tenant even know the urgency to get out if there are black mold in the unit?


Romeo

March 23rd, 2013 2:00 pm

Can I get a refund and a check for damages from my landlord for black mold?


Makeda

March 24th, 2013 3:20 am

What is the easiest way to prevent black mold from spreading?


Rebekah

March 24th, 2013 4:40 pm

Call your health department for black mold ASAP.


Bernie

March 25th, 2013 6:00 am

Document everything and take some pictures then get out of there. You can file a lawsuit against your landlord for black mold.


Dustin

March 25th, 2013 7:20 pm

Whether it is a black mold or just mildew


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